Unreal Stories About Passionate Voters
During election season, passions rise and candidates, campaigns, and their supporters gear up. Political yard signs become symbols of loyalty, often leading to creative displays and occasional tensions. Just like die-hard sports fans, voters wear their allegiances boldly, sparking spirited exchanges and memorable moments.
In this article, you will:
- Learn what could happen if you were even thinking about stealing a sign
- Read about some crazy stories about theft of political yard signs
- See some stunning videos of people in the act of stealing signs
Political Yard Sign Theft:
Supporters of one candidate often take extreme measures to undermine their opponent, including the illegal act of political yard sign theft. Though yard signs are relatively inexpensive, stealing one can result in serious consequences. Theft of a sign is typically classified as petty theft, but in some cases, it can lead to fines of up to $1,000 or even jail time. Additionally, taking a sign may involve trespassing, further compounding the legal issues. Beyond the legal ramifications, such actions infringe on the homeowner’s First Amendment rights and undermine the principles of free expression.
The polarization between political candidates often reaches astonishing levels, fueling heightened emotions among their supporters. Those who support a particular candidate or party frequently display intense enthusiasm, often showcased through yard signs. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a voter with strong feelings about your chosen party’s values. You might have even experienced the frustration of having a political sign stolen from your yard.
Take the example of Marblehead, a Boston suburb. Known as the Cradle of Liberty, Boston has a deep history of political activism. Yet even here, tensions run high—one Marblehead resident reportedly had their yard sign stolen not once or twice, but an incredible eight times! This story underscores the fervor, and sometimes, the lengths people will go to during political seasons.
Nationwide Sign Pilfering:
Political yard sign theft isn’t a localized phenomenon—it’s a reflection of the heightened passions that often accompany election seasons. In Kennett Township, Pennsylvania, an 87-year-old Republican and former township supervisor, Michael E. Elliing, faced charges for stealing campaign signs supporting his opponent, Democract Dr. Richard Leff. Surveillance cameras captured Elling in the act, pulling up signs on private property. His vehicle, a red Chevrolet Tracker, further tied him to the crime, as it was registered to his business.
In another case, in New Paltz, New York, economics professor Laura Ebert was charged with misdemeanor larceny after being filmed stealing Republican campaign signs supporting John Faso and Marc Molinaro. Ebert later apologized, citing a moment of emotional weakness, but the homeowners viewed her actions as an attempt to silence their political voice.
Going back to 2011 in Glendale, Arizona, Bobbi Smith admitted to stealing 12 yard signs that she claimed unfairly attacked her friend’s spouse, who was running for re-election. Despite her position as a community leader, Smith showed no remorse and openly justified her actions. You can watch the short video here:
These stories underscore the high stakes and emotional intensity of political campaigns, where even small acts like removing a sign can carry legal and social consequences. It also highlights the importance of respecting free speech and private property, even in politically charged climates.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served…In Many Ways:
By now, it’s clear that yard sign theft is a common occurrence. So, let’s borrow a sports analogy: they say defense wins championships. Sign owners have embraced this manta, stepping up their efforts to protect their signs. From installing cameras to catch thieves in the act to coming up with creative deterrents, supporters of candidates have taken sign degense to a whole new level. Here are some clever suggestions shared by real sign owners for their fellow defenders of free speech:
Joanna Sloskey: I slather my yard signs in Vaseline, and then I attach a note telling them that they are being watched on two different night vision cameras.
Barbara G.Blum: Put oily or greasy material on the post or around edges. Others Wet Paint!
Jenn Milano Solderitsch: Slather dog poop on strategic parts of the sign. On the back by the stakes so that when they grab the sign to yank it out, they get poop hands. Or hot sauce. So when they rub their eyes after the fact…they get plenty of irritation.
Brian Razzi went the social media route about his missing lawn sign.
Ed Doc Dougherty followed suit in a brutally brief social media post: “Lock n Load!”
Rob Narcavage posted this: “Time to electrify the next sign I get, that’ll teach ‘em.”
In Andover, Massachusetts, police responded to a call. A man had taped an ominous-looking black box to a handmade political yard sign in front of his house with the words, “Booby Trap” and “Danger” on the side. Police called off the bomb squad when they heard his explanation.
Smile!
Some individuals have taken creative or bold measures to defend their signs, from installing cameras to setting up clever deterrents. These efforts highlight the length people will go to protect their right to free expression. Check out these videos showcasing determined citizens standing up for the political signs!
Indianapolis, IN. A homeowner had tried several tactics to prevent his signs from being snagged:
The thief in this video receives some shocking information when he attempts to poach a Trump yard sign:
A Springfield couple uses Apple AirTag to track down dozens of stolen campaign signs:
Man Sets Up Paintball Trap For People Stealing His Election Yard Signs:
What does the future hold for the theft of political candidates lawn signs? It’s hard to say. Will every piece of corrugated plastic on wire stakes stay untouched? Probably not. But if you’re running for office, don’t let the risk of sign theft discourage you. Yard signs remain a vital and effective tool in any campaign strategy.